ISTANBUL 

A Chinese national arrested on charges of filming South Korea's intelligence agency headquarters in Seoul via drone has been handed over to prosecution authorities, officials said on Monday.

The Chinese man in his 40s is accused of filming the National Intelligence Service (NIS) headquarters in southern Seoul while taking drone footage of the nearby Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs, which are historical burial grounds of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Yonhap News reported.

Authorities transferred the Chinese, referred to as Mr. A, who was arrested in November of last year and handed over to prosecutors last week, citing violations of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act and the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, according to Chosun Biz news.

"We are currently verifying with relevant agencies regarding any counterespionage suspicions," the media outlet reported, citing a Korean official who spoke at a regular press briefing.